Working Images

Since the 1960′s the United States has steadily increased its imports from developing nations like China and India because, to put it simply, those nations can do it for cheap. Meanwhile manufacturing sectors in the United States have virtually vanished and the ones that have survived (i.e. the auto industry) are in need of assistance.

A secondary consequence of this trade imbalance is that American consumers are disconnected from those who actually manufacture at least a component of nearly every product they buy. Which is to say, Americans have little conception of how these products come to be and are unaware of the affects the work has upon the labor force of those nations who produce them.

Alan Taylor in his on-going, photo-based column for Boston.com “The Big Picture: News Stories in Photographs” recently collected 45 stunning images pulled from the news wire capturing humans at work. And since most of the photos were taken in either China or India they provide an excellent opportunity to glance into the lives of those who make so much of what we can take for granted.

See all the images here

posted by: Harold Johns III

Artist Shout Out: HERAKUT

Herakut is an ongoing collaboration between German duo Akut and Hera that effectively synthesizes two seemingly opposing styles to create singular pieces of art.

Akut specializes in photo-realistic portraits created through a self-taught process developed from years of graffiti work. Hera on the other hand is more spontaneous and figurative in her approach, a reaction to the strict arts education she received as a child.  Despite their differences, both artists share a love of street art and were able to admire each others’ work over the years through graffiti magazines. In 2004 after meeting at the Urban Arts Festival Seville in Spain a partnership was fostered under the shared name, thus Herakut was born.

Herakut has been painting on walls and canvases throughout the world ever since. In April of 2008 they showed at one of the hottest spots for up and coming artists in the world, the Carmichael Gallery of Contemporary Art in West Hollywood. And this April a retrospective book of their work entitled “The Perfect Merge” will be released. More than a great title, this may also serve as the perfect description for their work.

Read their 20 questions interview by Juxtapoz here

posted by Harold Johns III

Style Icon: Alice Dellal

Model, socialite, and it-girl Alice Dellal has caught the eye of the fashion world with her cutting-edge personal style. As the daughter of Brazilian model Andrea Dellal and granddaughter of British real-estate mogul Jack Dellal, Alice’s beauty and wealth are undeniable. However, she’s not just another heiress in a designer gown. Alice’s ability to create a style that is both high and low, smart and edgy, sexy and grungy all in one has put her front and center as the girl to watch during fashion’s 90′s grunge revival.

With her signature partially shaved head, Alice jumped onto the modeling scene with confidence. As quoted on Vogue.com, “I like my style. If people don’t like my hair, then they don’t have to book me.” But book her they have. Since 2006 Alice has been featured in multiple French Vogue editorials, modeled for Burberry and Mango Jeans ad campaigns, and replaced Kate Moss as the new face of Agent Provocateur. She has also been cited as the new muse/model to Alexander Wang, replacing Erin Wasson who has since devoted time to her own clothing line.

Alice Dellal’s look is everywhere. Hardcore combat boots, crop tops, exposed zippers, leather, and even side swept wavy hair. Take it from Alexander Wang himself, “Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their off days, that are the most intriguing.”

Alice Dellal style from Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler Spring 2009

by: Tricia Rock

Free State Brewery x Social Service League

Help support the Social Service League of Lawrence simply by having lunch or dinner at Free State Brewery Tuesday, February 17th. To begin its 20th Anniversary Celebration Week, Free State Brewery is donating proceeds from Tuesday’s sales to Lawrence’s oldest community service organization: The Social Service League. Raise a glass to the longevity of two stubborn institutions that help make Lawrence special.

To receive updates on happenings at the Social Service League join their Facebook group here. And continue reading for a more complete history of the organization.

Social Service League of Lawrence, KS
The Social Service League of Lawrence emerged out of the ashes of Quantrill’s Raid. Following the devastation, the Lawrence community formed a “League” to provide various supplies to families in need. Today the League continues this work, assisting Lawrence children, adults and families.

The League is an independent charity that relies solely on donations and on income generated through its thrift store. The League thrift store, 905 Rhode Island St, is run from the same location where the store began its operations over 145 years ago. The store is open to all shoppers, and offers clothes, household items, toys and other needed goods. Also, any person who expresses a need may come into the thrift store and fill up a bag of donated goods free of charge, no questions asked.

Store proceeds and donations fund a wide array of charitable activities. The League helps provide shoes, eye exams, and glasses to children within the Lawrence community. During the past ten years the League has provided children with 100 to 200 pairs of new shoes per year. The League also works in coordination with other local organizations to help individuals find jobs, get back on their feet, and support themselves and their families.

posted by: Tricia Rock

Relief From Belief

Our friend and fellow Lawrencian Clint Gentry recently jumped into the blogosphere with his blog entitled Relief From Belief. Gentry’s goal is to provide “a rational approach to secular government, a place for the non-believer to read and discuss current political events through the eyes of reason.” Consider Gentry’s blog  a beacon of reason in the bible belt or an online blasphemer, in either case Relief From Belief will at least provide a pause to think and maybe even a fresh perspective.

posted by: Harold Johns III